CHEYENNE — Anglers now have an additional reason to participate in the storied Wyoming Cutt-Slam program.

The Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department are excited to announce a medallion will now be provided to people who manage to catch each of the four sub-species of native cutthroat trout of the state: Colorado River; Yellowstone; Bonneville and Snake River.

“Wyoming Trout Unlimited is proud to partner with Wyoming Game and Fish to continue to promote the Cutt-Slam program. Our goal is to foster and promote native cutthroat trout species,” said Cole Sherard, Chair of the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited. “We hope individuals will recognize the value these native fish have in our incredible state.”

Wyoming started the Slam in 1996, helping set the stage for other states to create programs.

“The Cutt Slam started here and is growing in popularity as a means of getting more people outside and celebrating all that is being done to conserve native trout in Wyoming,” said Alan Osterland, Game and Fish chief of fisheries. “Game and Fish is proud to partner with Wyoming Trout Unlimited to promote the Cutt-Slam program.”

The medallions, produced and paid for by the Wyoming Council and state chapters of Trout Unlimited, feature the work of Wyoming artist Bruce Speidel. A painting of a Yellowstone cutthroat Speidel created for the Wyoming Conservation Stamp Competition called “Yellowstone Originals” is displayed on the front of the medallion.

“It is my privilege to be a part of a fun challenge. I like catching all trout, but it’s special to have so many native cutthroat strains in Wyoming,” said Speidel, who lives in Sundance, Wyoming. “I have no doubt anglers participating in the program will find some of the most beautiful areas in the world as they pursue the Wyoming Cutt-Slam.”

The medallion also recognizes former Wyoming Game and Fish Department fisheries biologist Ron Remmick as the “Father of the Slam”.

The Wyoming Cutt-Slam remains free, but the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited is collecting donations to be used on cutthroat conservation projects across the state. Visit http://wyomingtu.org/donate/ to contribute.